JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Jacksonville’s city council considers the upcoming budget, Jacksonville City Councilman Matt Carlucci is raising concerns about significant cuts, including funding for the Northeast Florida Regional Council.
This reduction could have a substantial impact on the town of Baldwin, which relies on the council’s support for various community programs.
Baldwin, a small but tight-knit community with a population of 1,400, benefits from the services provided by the Northeast Florida Regional Council. These services include public safety initiatives, substance abuse disorder programs, and planning work. The proposed budget cuts over $390,000 allocated to the council, prompting concern from local leaders.
Baldwin Mayor Sean Lynch expressed shock at the removal of funding, emphasizing its importance to the town.
“We’ll probably be looking at an extra $300,000 a year, which means I got to take that from our budget so we can pay for our planning,” Lynch explained.
Councilman Matt Carlucci is advocating for the restoration of funding, highlighting the dedication of Mayor Lynch and the needs of Baldwin’s residents.
“There’s nobody that’s more public service oriented than this gentleman,” Carlucci stated, urging fellow council members to support the town.
Residents like Charlene Ricks are hopeful for the funding to be reinstated, lamenting its potential loss.
“Really sad, because we need all we can get out here,” Ricks said, reflecting the community’s reliance on the council’s support.
The city council is set to vote on the tentative millage rate on Sept. 9, which includes a cut of 1/8th of a mil. Carlucci noted that if the lower millage rate is approved, restoring funding for programs like the Regional Council could become more challenging. He plans to explore the Strategic Contingency Fund as a potential source for restoring funds.
As the city council approaches its budget vote, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the needs of communities like Baldwin. The outcome will determine the level of support available to the town and its residents in the coming year. News4JAX will continue to provide updates as the situation develops.